Canon EOS 50D - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The Canon EOS-50D ($1399, body only) is a midrange digital SLR that "complements" the popular EOS-40D, rather than replacing it. It's no secret that I'm a fan of this line of Canon D-SLRs -- I've used three generations of them for the product shots on ...

Pros: Very good photo quality (with a good lens) ; Low noise levels through ISO 1600 in low light, and ISO 3200 in good light ; Sturdy, well-designed body ; easy to hold ; resistant against dust and moisture ; Ultra-sharp 3-inch LCD display ; Live view ...

Cons: Images on the soft side, especially with "average" lenses ; Slight tendency to clip highlights and overexpose ; Battery life is below average, and 20% worse than on the 40D ; Very slow contrast detect AF in live view mode ; Live view not available in ...

Verdict: If you bought either of the lens kits then you're ready to start shooting (well, almost -- see the next paragraph) with the 50D. The two available kit lenses include the 28 - 135 mm, a generally popular lens that I personally have never tried. This ...

Review summary: Canon's EOS 50D sticks with the conservative pattern that the company has established for their semi-pro digital SLR in terms of physical design, but now it also includes most of Canon's cutting-edge digital SLR technology. … The story, though, is in ...

Review summary: Though the Canon 50D digital SLR is not a must-buy upgrade over the 40D, it does have some new and friendly features and shooting modes.

Verdict: Among digital SLRs, the 15.1-megapixel 50D has one of the highest megapixel counts currently offered (the 40D has 10.1 megapixels). The sensor size remains the same, which means you must effectively multiply the focal length of the bundled lens by 1.6 ...

Review summary: high-definition video capture (something the 50D can't do) for less cash.

Pros: Lighting fast. Produces beautiful low-light images. Large, high-resolution LCD screen. HDMI-out

Cons: Expensive. Big and heavy

Verdict: The Canon EOS 50D is fast and sharp, and it produces low noise at high ISOs. If you own compatible lenses, there's not much to think about. If you don't, Nikon's D90 might be worth a look.

Review summary: The Canon EOS 50D performs very well and deserves an excellent rating among DSLR cameras. Image quality is certainly good with low-noise, good color accuracy and reliable exposure. The 50D is also one of the fastest and most quiet DSLRs.

Pros: Low image noise at all sensitivities, Quick and accurate focusing system, Generally accurate color and exposure, Fast and responsive, Excellent LCD screen with great visibility, Very quiet for a DSLR, Tough weather-sealed body

Cons: Slightly more noise than typical DSLR cameras, Below average dynamic range, Poor white-balance under artificial lighting, Boosted ISO settings exhibit color artifacts, Below average battery-life, LCD flush with left edge, Weird control ergonomics